Warning over bogus callers

Elderly people are being warned over a female bogus caller who has struck at six homes in Tyneside in the last month.

Northumbria Police say the latest incident was on Sunday night and it was the sixth in the Fenham area of Newcastle since 6 December.

They say all have involved a woman knocking on doors in some distress saying that her father has not turned up to give her a lift.

The woman has asked to use the telephone and then the toilet.

When she has been upstairs, the woman has gone through bedrooms and stolen property.

Detective Inspector Max Black said: "Elderly people should be on their guard and if any young, strange woman calls at their home, they should not let her in and call the police on 999 immediately."

The woman is described as 20, medium height, slim build with long dark hair.

Police say she has targeted elderly people in their 70s and 80s.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.